Fun Fact: In 1977 Patrick made his very first model of a little country church out of 500 matchsticks. In 2015 Patrick built his largest model, the steampunk flying-locomotive Plane Loco, out of more than 1,000,000 matchsticks. Plane Loco was commissioned by Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
Coming in 2027-2028
Union Pacific’s “Big Boy” No. 4014
Acton plans to return to the golden era of steam-powered locomotives as he makes a large matchstick model of the Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014. Built in 1941 to carry the heavy materials of WWII, the original Big Boy No. 4014 was restored in 2019 for return to service. In 2026 the Big Boy will tour coast to coast for America’s 250th anniversary. As the real locomotive tours the USA, Acton will be constructing a highly-detailed matchstick model of the world’s largest steam-powered locomotive ever made. The model will go on permanent display at Matchstick Marvels beginning in April 2027, although it may not be completed until 2028.
Fun Fact: Most kids visiting Matchstick Marvels are unfamiliar with wooden matchsticks, as they became archaic.
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Matchstick Marvels, 319 2nd Street, Gladbrook, IA
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